Suunto Race GPS Watch Review: A Premium Multisport Watch for Endurance Athletes
Overview
The Suunto Race GPS Watch is the latest high-performance multisport GPS watch from Suunto, designed for endurance athletes, ultra runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. It combines advanced training features with top-tier navigation tools, a long battery life, and an impressive AMOLED display.
But how does it stack up against competitors like Garmin and Coros? Let’s dive into the details.
Design & Build Quality
Rating: 8/10
Suunto has crafted a premium-looking device with the Race GPS Watch, featuring a large 1.43” AMOLED touchscreen and a sturdy titanium bezel (for the Titanium model) or stainless steel bezel (for the standard version).
The AMOLED display is a significant upgrade, offering brighter, more vibrant visuals compared to Suunto’s previous models, making it easy to read in all lighting conditions.
At 53g (titanium model) or 60g (steel model), it’s not the lightest watch on the market, but it feels robust yet comfortable on the wrist.
The silicone strap ensures a secure fit, while the five-button interface plus touchscreen makes navigation intuitive.
GPS & Navigation
Rating: 8/10
Suunto is renowned for its navigation features, and the Race GPS Watch lives up to expectations. It supports dual-band GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, BeiDou) for exceptional accuracy, even in remote areas or deep valleys.
Navigation tools include:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Offline maps with contour lines and trails
- Route planning via Suunto app
For ultra runners and adventure racers, the high-precision GPS and detailed offline maps make this an outstanding choice, rivaling the best offerings from Garmin and Coros.
Training & Performance Tracking
Rating: 9/10
Suunto has significantly improved its performance-tracking capabilities in the Race GPS Watch, offering advanced running dynamics, HRV analysis, and recovery insights. Key training features include:
- Training Load & Recovery Analysis: Tracks cumulative fatigue and provides rest recommendations.
- VO2 Max Estimation: A benchmark for aerobic performance.
- Running Power (Wrist-Based): No need for an external sensor.
- Over 95 Sport Modes: Covers everything from ultra running and cycling to open-water swimming and skiing.
The watch syncs seamlessly with Strava, TrainingPeaks, and Komoot, making it a great option for athletes who want to track detailed training metrics. However, it lacks native running dynamics sensors like Garmin’s HRM-Pro or Stryd support, which might be a downside for serious data-driven runners.
Battery Life
Rating: 7/10
Suunto has always excelled in battery life, and the Race GPS Watch is no exception. It offers:
- Up to 50 hours in full GNSS mode
- Up to 200 hours in low-power mode
- 16 days in smartwatch mode
Compared to the Coros Apex 2 Pro and Garmin Forerunner 965, the battery performance is competitive, ensuring long-lasting use for multi-day adventures and endurance races.
Smart Features & Connectivity
Rating: 7/10
While Suunto focuses on sports tracking, the Race GPS Watch includes some basic smartwatch features such as:
- Notifications (calls, messages, and app alerts)
- Music Controls (but no onboard music storage)
- Weather Updates
- Sleep Tracking
However, it lacks more advanced smartwatch functions like contactless payments, third-party app support, or offline music playback—features that Garmin and Apple Watch Ultra users might miss.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ High-resolution AMOLED display ✔ Excellent GPS accuracy with dual-band GNSS ✔ Offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation ✔ Strong battery life ✔ Robust training & recovery insights ✔ Durable, premium build
Cons:
✖ Lacks onboard music storage ✖ No contactless payments ✖ Limited smartwatch functionality compared to Garmin ✖ Heavier than some competitors ✖ No option for rest button or resume later like Garmin and Coros GPS watches ✖ No option to change weather temp to Celsius, it only shows Fahrenheit
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 9/10
The Suunto Race GPS Watch is a fantastic choice for endurance athletes, ultra runners, and outdoor adventurers who need top-tier navigation, excellent battery life, and strong training tools.
The AMOLED display and dual-band GPS bring Suunto up to par with its competitors, making it a viable alternative to high-end Garmin and Coros watches.
However, if you prioritize smartwatch features like music storage, payments, and third-party apps, you may find the Race GPS Watch lacking.
But for those focused on performance, navigation, and battery life, it’s an outstanding investment and great value for money.
Should You Buy It?
✅ Buy it if: You want premium GPS accuracy, a long-lasting battery, and advanced training features for endurance sports.
❌ Skip it if: You need offline music storage, payments, or a more smartwatch-like experience.
For ultra runners, multi-day trekkers, and those who rely heavily on navigation, the Suunto Race GPS Watch is one of the best options available.
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